Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 172

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Simply Jaguar

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.

    All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  2. Round the Island Race Sailing

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall! The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Steam to the Solent with Jim Splice and The Main Brace

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  4. The Big Christmas Present Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the Christmas school holidays, Saturday December 12 - Sunday 13 and Saturday December 19, 2026 – Sunday January 2, 2027

    10:00am – 4:30 pm

    Can you solve the mystery of Santa's missing present sack this Christmas? Bring the whole family…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 16:30
  5. Spooky Murder Mystery

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Basingstoke

    Saturday 24th October 2026

    We invite you to a murder mystery night of solving crimes and indulgent dining on Saturday 24th October at Oakley Hall Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire! join a cast of classic character for a Country House whodunit in…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
  6. Easter Egg-venture at Go Ape Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Southampton

    Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Southampton's Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026
  7. Owls by Moonlight

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17 and October 24

    Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    This autumn, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls'…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026Open 17:30 -
    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -
    From:
    10 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -
    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -
  8. Cruise from Poole Quay to the Jurassic Coast with the Wareham Whalers Shanty Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
  9. Biodiversity Breakfast

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday May 2

    7:00am-10:00am

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special morning to enjoy and discover the best of British nature.
    They'll begin by taking you to Reg's Wildflower Meadow to hear the enchanting sounds of the morning chorus of…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026Open 07:00 - 10:00
  10. Ventnor Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival! 

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026
  11. Ryde Children's Carnival Day

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre. 

    Family…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  12. Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Portsmouth

    SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to26 July 2026
  13. Great South Run Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    Portsmouth

    The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to18 Oct 2026
  14. Dolly Parton Tribute Night

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Basigstoke

    DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT OAKLEY HALL'S
    DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE NIGHT
    You're invited to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton! Oakley Hall Hotel is thrilled to host a spectacular Dolly Parton Tribute Night,…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 23:50
  15. Wickham Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Fareham

    Wickham Festival is a 4-day music & arts festival held every August in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to2 Aug 2026
  16. Ryde Hovercraft Experience Flights

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Ryde

    For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to27 Sept 2026
  17. Meet the Dinosaurs: Trail & Show

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    If you're truly dino-mad! … join us for interactive Dinosaur Shows running for nine days throughout May half-term
    How to Train your Dinosaur!
    Come and learn the art of dinosaur training with the help of the mischievous cheeky T.Rex called Baxter who…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026
  18. Mini Cooper Register National Mini Day

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.

    Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.

    National Mini Day…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Drive-It Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    New Forest

    NEW for 2026, all owners of pre-2005 classic vehicles are invited to take part in Drive-It Day at Beaulieu on Sunday 26 April 2026.

    National Drive-It Day was launched in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to celebrate motoring…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. Ibiza Orchestra Experience

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Newport

    The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!

    Expect an unforgettable night featuring:

    26 piece…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 18:00 - 23:00